NEW ANTI-TERROR SECURITY IN PLACE IN IRISH PORTS

UNCLAS DUBLIN 000944

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PTER ASEC EWWT PHSA KHLS
SUBJECT: NEW ANTI-TERROR SECURITY IN PLACE IN IRISH PORTS



1. Summary. On July 27, the GOI completed the installation
of new anti-terror security measures at all Irish
international sea ports, bringing Ireland into compliance
with the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) code
established in July 2004. These arrangements are aimed at
preventing a terrorist strike on Ireland or the use of Irish
ports for an attack on another country. End Summary.


2. According to Department of Communications, Marine and
Natural Resources official Helen Conway, Ireland is in full
compliance with UN security directives set forth by the IMO
in July 2004. These measures are now in place at Ireland's
seven international ports: Dublin, Dun Laoghaire, Rosslare,
Waterford, Cork, Bantry and Shannon/Foynes. She said that
Ireland also is in compliance with the European Council
Regulation 725/2004 Enhancing Ship and Port Facility
Security.


3. These measures are aimed at preventing terror strikes on
Ireland or using Irish ports to attack another country.
These tactics, subject to audits by both the IMO and the EU,
include:
-A detailed security plan
-A designated security manager
-Staff trained in security
-More barriers, restricted areas and manned gates (depending
on the port)
-More baggage checks, screening of traffic and people and
photo identification facilities (depending on the port)


4. The new security regime applies to passenger ships and
cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards, including
high-speed craft, mobile off-shore units and port facilities
serving such ships engaged on international voyages. Conway
clarified that these measures apply only at ship-port
interfaces. She predicted that future international
legislation will extend security coverage to entire ports,
but offered no timeline for such proposals.


5. The GOI hired Dublin based consultant group, Risk
Management International (RMI) at the cost of up to euro 10
million, to install these new measures. RMI is known for its
management of airport security at 60 sites in Europe.

KENNY